Lubrication pump for inter-axle differential

摘要

An inter-axle differential assembly having a lubrication pump is provided. The pump is disposed between the input and output shafts of the differential within a bore defined by a side gear coupled to or integral with the output shaft. The pump includes a housing that defines first and second ports and includes an arcuate groove in a radially outer surface. A pin extends radially inwardly from the side gear and is received within the groove. The groove and pin cooperate to enable rotation of the entire pump relative to the side gear and to thereby exchange the positions of the two ports. In this manner, the assembly provides a reversible pump that provides lubricant only during relative rotation between the input and output shafts of the differential.